1 Bedroom House Plans

One bedroom house plans are compact, efficient home designs ranging from 500 to 900 square feet that include one dedicated bedroom, a full bathroom, kitchen, and living area. These aren't cramped apartments—they're thoughtfully designed standalone homes that provide all the amenities of larger houses in a more manageable, affordable package.

Our 1 bedroom plans are created by licensed architects who specialize in maximizing space efficiency without sacrificing comfort or style. Each design incorporates smart storage solutions, open-concept layouts, and features that make small spaces feel larger and more inviting.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer looking for an affordable entry into homeownership, a couple seeking a cozy starter home, a retiree downsizing, or a property owner adding an ADU for rental income, 1 bedroom house plans offer a practical, cost-effective solution that doesn't compromise on quality or functionality. For families needing more space, explore our 2 bedroom house plans or compact 3 bedroom designs.

1. Studio-Style 1 Bedroom Plans (500-650 sq ft)

Compact designs with an open living area and a separate bedroom. The kitchen, dining, and living spaces flow together, while the bedroom provides privacy. Perfect for urban lots or as ADUs. These 500-600 sq ft plans typically include one full bathroom and clever storage throughout. Similar in efficiency to tiny house plans but with more traditional layouts.

2. Standard 1 Bedroom Plans (650-800 sq ft)

Traditional layouts with distinct separation between living and sleeping areas. These 700-800 sq ft plans often include a more spacious bedroom, larger kitchen with dining area, comfortable living room, and sometimes a small home office nook or laundry room. Popular sizes include 600 sq ft and 800 sq ft layouts.

3. Luxury 1 Bedroom Plans (800-900 sq ft)

Upscale designs featuring premium finishes, walk-in closets, spa-like bathrooms, gourmet kitchens, and additional flex space. May include covered porches, attached garages, or bonus rooms that can serve as home offices or craft rooms.

4. Cottage & Cabin Plans

Charming 1 bedroom cottage and cabin designs perfect for vacation properties, lake houses, or mountain retreats. Often feature covered porches, rustic exteriors, and cozy interiors optimized for weekend getaways or seasonal use.

5. Modern 1 Bedroom Plans

Contemporary designs with clean lines, large windows, open floor plans, and minimalist aesthetics. These plans emphasize natural light, indoor-outdoor connection, and sleek, efficient use of space.

6. ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Plans

Specifically designed to be built on the same lot as a primary residence. These plans comply with typical ADU regulations and are perfect for rental income, elderly parents, adult children, or home offices with sleeping quarters.

Open Concept Layouts

The most popular configuration combines kitchen, dining, and living areas into one flowing space, typically 300-450 sq ft. The bedroom (100-150 sq ft) and bathroom (50-70 sq ft) are separated for privacy. This layout makes the home feel much larger and facilitates entertaining.

Galley Kitchen Layouts

Features a narrow, efficient kitchen along one wall with living space on the opposite side. This classic layout maximizes counter and storage space while maintaining an open feel. Ideal for smaller footprints (500-700 sq ft).

L-Shaped Layouts

The bedroom and bathroom occupy one leg of the "L" while kitchen and living areas occupy the other. This configuration provides excellent privacy separation and works well on narrow or corner lots.

Railroad/Shotgun Style

Linear layout with rooms arranged in a row, popular in urban settings on narrow lots. Typically: living room in front, kitchen in middle, bedroom in back. This traditional style maximizes long, narrow lots.

Built-In Storage Solutions

Every plan incorporates extensive storage: walk-in or reach-in bedroom closets, linen closets, kitchen pantries, coat closets, and built-in shelving. We design for 20-30% more storage than standard apartments of similar size.

Visual Expansion Techniques

Vaulted or cathedral ceilings (9-12 ft high) in living areas make spaces feel dramatically larger. Large windows (15-20% of wall space), glass doors, and strategic mirror placement enhance the sense of openness.

Multi-Functional Spaces

Kitchen islands that double as dining tables or workspaces, built-in desk nooks for home offices, and Murphy beds or sofa beds for occasional guests maximize the utility of every square foot.

Outdoor Living Extensions

Covered porches (60-120 sq ft), small patios, or decks effectively add living space for 6-8 months of the year in most climates. These outdoor areas serve as additional entertaining space and connection to nature.

Energy-Efficient Features

Proper insulation, energy-efficient windows, tankless water heaters, LED lighting, and Energy Star appliances keep utility costs low. Many plans are designed for optional solar panel installation.

Construction Cost Breakdown

Budget Build: $75,000 - $95,000 (basic finishes, DIY-friendly)
Standard Build: $95,000 - $120,000 (quality finishes, professional construction)
Luxury Build: $120,000 - $180,000 (premium finishes, high-end features)

Cost Per Square Foot

One bedroom houses typically cost $120-160 per sq ft for standard builds and $160-220 per sq ft for luxury builds. Smaller homes often have higher per-square-foot costs due to fixed expenses (kitchen, bathroom) being spread over less square footage. Use our 700 sq ft cost calculator or 900 sq ft cost calculator for detailed estimates.

Major Cost Components

• Foundation: $5,000-$12,000 (concrete slab or pier-and-beam)
• Framing & Structure: $15,000-$30,000
• Roofing: $4,000-$8,000
• Windows & Doors: $3,000-$7,000
• Plumbing: $6,000-$10,000
• Electrical: $5,000-$9,000
• HVAC: $4,000-$7,000
• Interior Finishes: $15,000-$35,000
• Kitchen: $8,000-$20,000
• Bathroom: $5,000-$12,000

Cost-Saving Strategies

• Choose a simple rectangular or square footprint to minimize foundation and roofing costs
• Stick with standard window and door sizes to avoid custom charges
• Use stock cabinets instead of custom cabinetry
• Consider luxury vinyl plank flooring instead of hardwood
• DIY finish work like painting, landscaping, and simple trim installation
• Build during off-season (winter) when contractor rates may be lower

Minimum Size Requirements

Most jurisdictions require habitable rooms to be at least 70 sq ft, with at least one room being 120 sq ft. Bedrooms typically must be at least 70 sq ft with minimum dimensions of 7 feet in any direction. Ceiling heights must be at least 7 feet (often 7'6" in bathrooms).

ADU Regulations

If building as an ADU, many cities limit size to 800-1,200 sq ft or 50% of the primary dwelling's size. Setback requirements, parking, and owner-occupancy rules vary by jurisdiction. Check local ADU ordinances before purchasing plans.

Bedroom Requirements

To be classified as a bedroom, rooms must have: (1) at least 70 sq ft of floor space, (2) minimum 7-ft dimension in each direction, (3) at least one window with minimum opening size (typically 5.7 sq ft), (4) closet space (in some jurisdictions), and (5) egress window for basement bedrooms.

Parking Requirements

Main dwellings typically require 1-2 parking spaces. ADUs often require one additional space, though many cities have relaxed this requirement to encourage ADU construction. Some urban areas waive parking entirely near transit.